The Story of Red Moon Travelers: A Decade-Long Musical Journey
In the world of music, few stories capture the resilience and passion of independent bands like the story of Red Moon Travelers. From humble beginnings in the small towns of Northwest Florida to recording albums that found an audience as far as South America, the journey of this band is a testament to camaraderie, creativity, and the enduring power of music. This documentary-style post takes you through the timeline of Red Moon Travelers, chronicling their milestones, challenges, and triumphs.
The Beginning: 2010 – 2011
In 2010, Rob, a prolific songwriter based in Northwest Florida, had an album’s worth of songs ready for the world. But songs need a voice, and music needs collaborators. Enter Steve Watts, an old friend and fellow local musician. The two found common ground in their shared love for music and decided to form a band named Legal Eyes.
The duo’s plans quickly gained momentum when Ed Campbell joined the fold. Ed, a percussionist with an adventurous spirit, offered his RV and mapped out a plan to travel to Mustang, Oklahoma, to record their debut album. However, there was one pressing challenge: they needed a bassist to complete their lineup.
By mid-2011, their search led them to Rich Lansberry, a skilled musician from Clearwater, Florida. With Rich on board, the band began piecing together the album’s tracks. Rob and Rich built foundational melodies and arrangements in a modest Clearwater apartment, while Steve and Ed laid down drum and percussion tracks back in Fort Walton Beach.
Later that year, the band traveled to Mustang to finish recording their album, fulfilling their dream of producing their first full-length project together.
New Faces and New Directions: 2013 – 2014
By 2013, the band’s trips to Fort Walton Beach brought them in contact with another local talent: Max Bolton. Max, a multi-instrumentalist with a knack for acoustic guitar and keyboard, joined the group, bringing fresh energy and a broader sound palette.
Despite their growing lineup, the band felt they needed a fresh start to truly encapsulate their evolving identity. In 2014, the group decided to rebrand, adopting a new name: Red Moon Travelers. With the new name came a renewed focus on creating original material, setting the stage for their next chapter.
Rebuilding and Recognition: 2015 – 2016
In 2015, Rob and Rich relocated to Navarre, Florida, where they began rebuilding Nimbus Studio. The revamped studio became a creative haven for the band, where they recorded their next album, Beyond The Mirror.
The album marked a turning point for Red Moon Travelers. It caught the attention of listeners in unexpected places, including South America, proving that their music could resonate beyond the Gulf Coast.
However, change was on the horizon. In 2016, drummer Steve Watts parted ways with the band. Filling his spot was Bob Berteau, another talented local musician. With Bob on board, the band maintained a steady presence on the Gulf Coast’s live music scene, playing gigs and connecting with fans. Later that year, they released an ambitious tri-album project titled Trismegistus, showcasing their versatility and depth as musicians.
Loss and Resilience: 2017 – 2020
The year 2017 brought a devastating loss to the band with the passing of Max Bolton in May. Max had been an integral part of their sound and spirit, and his absence was deeply felt. Despite the emotional toll, Rob, Rich, Ed, and Bob chose to carry on, honoring Max’s memory through their music.
In 2020, Red Moon Travelers brought in Steve Landress, a skilled guitarist and vocalist, to further enhance their lineup. The addition of Steve added new dimensions to their performances, enriching their sound and ensuring that the band continued to evolve.
A New Era as a Duo: 2021 – Present
By 2021, Rob and Rich decided to simplify the structure of the band, continuing Red Moon Travelers as a duo. This move allowed them to focus on intimate performances and maintain their presence on the Gulf Coast music circuit.
Tragedy struck again in 2024 when Ed Campbell passed away during the summer. Ed had been a steadfast member of the band since 2011, contributing not just his percussion skills but also his unwavering support and camaraderie. His loss was another profound moment in the band’s history, but Rob and Rich pressed on, keeping the spirit of Red Moon Travelers alive.
Carrying the Torch
Today, Full Red Moon Travelers continue to perform occasionally, joined by longtime collaborators Bob Berteau and Steve Landress. Their music, shaped by years of collaboration and resilience, remains a testament to their enduring dedication to their craft.
As a band that has weathered personal losses and industry challenges, Red Moon Travelers exemplify the power of music to unite, heal, and inspire. Their journey is a reminder that every chord struck and every note sung carries a story of perseverance and passion.
For fans and followers, Red Moon Travelers’ story is far from over. You can keep up with their latest updates, performances, and projects at redmoontravelers.com.
A Legacy of Music
The history of Red Moon Travelers is more than a timeline of events; it’s a legacy of friendship, creativity, and resilience. From recording in small apartments to gaining recognition across continents, their journey reflects the beauty and challenges of pursuing art in its truest form.
Through every twist and turn, one thing has remained constant: the music. And as long as the music plays, the story of Red Moon Travelers will continue to unfold.
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Enjoyed the story and reading about the bands history. So glad my old friend Dick is still playing music and enjoying life. Keep on rocking RMT.
Hi Phil, thanks for reading and leaving comment.
Great sound, motivated direction. Carry on, my friends.
Thanks, man.